Now Commenting On:

Punto most likely out until Bay Bridge Series

3/15/14: Nick Punto barehands a chopper and fires a laser to first to retire Mark Minicozzi in the second inning

By Jane Lee
/
MLB.com |

PHOENIX -- The A's plan to keep infielder Nick Punto out of game action for at least two days, after the veteran experienced left hamstring tightness in Monday's contest.

Punto played just two innings in the field against the Rangers before he was pulled as a precautionary measure.

"He's fine," manager Bob Melvin said. "It'll probably be two days, which is fine. He was off today, anyway, and tomorrow will be a limited day for everyone -- probably one at-bat -- so if he's going to miss a couple days, those are two good days to miss."

Melvin expects Punto to be able to play in the three-game Bay Bridge Series, spanning Thursday to Saturday in advance of Opening Day. Once the season begins, the plan is for Punto to form a platoon with Eric Sogard at second base and also to back up Jed Lowrie at shortstop.

Jane Lee is a reporter for MLB.com. Read her blog, Major Lee-ague, and follow her on Twitter @JaneMLB. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.